MINISTER REPORTS ON POSSIBILITY OF CROP LOSS

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Drought situation across the country could result in 40 percent loss of crops, according to the corresponding Minister. President Kh.Battulga Tuesday received P.Sergelen, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry to discuss the state of summering, wintering preparations, crop production sector, hay making progress and livestock industry. The President spoke of possibilities of crop and hay loss, increase in flour price and dzud this year, noting the necessity to foresee such risks and take advance measures as Minister P.Sergelen reported on the probable 40 percent loss of crops. Around 24 percent of the territory of Mongolia suffer under drought this summer whereas 60 percent are in a mild drought condition. The Minister also briefed the President on some of the measures he has taken in directions such as hay making, livestock wintering, meat storing and exporting. President Kh.Battulga touched upon some of the actions he took during his tenure as Minister of Food and Agriculture, emphasizing on the support farmers need. He expressed concerns over livestock vaccination, operations of Songino Biocombinate and full supply of domestic vegetable demand. Present at the meeting were N.Altankhuyag, Political Policy Advisor to President, L.Choi-Ish, Head of Department of Livestock Industry Policy Management and Ts.Bolorchuluun, Head of Department of Crop Production Industry Policy Management at the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry. Kh.Aminaa